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Get details about nursing schools in Georgia, the state licensing process, earning potential, and what it's like to work in the state.
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Georgia is known for its friendly people, Southern hospitality, and low cost of living. It also offers great opportunities for nurses. Projections Central projects a 18.1% increase in demand for registered nurses (RNs) by 2030, which is much higher than the national average.
This guide can help you decide if pursuing nursing education and a career in the Peach State is right for you. Explore how to get a state license, earning potential, and details about the top nursing schools in Georgia, including those that can prepare you for a career as a nurse practitioner (NP).
Keep reading to learn more about the top nursing schools and programs in Georgia.
The Best Nursing Schools in Georgia
Georgia is home to an array of nursing education options, such as large state universities, local community colleges, and private colleges of all sizes. To help you identify the ideal program for your needs and goals, we've compiled the following list of the best nursing schools in the state.
Our Methodology: We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best nursing schools in Georgia, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.
These rankings include
NurseJournal.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
from our partners. We use publicly available provisional datasets from Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) to inform the data for these schools. All data is current as of the date this article was published. Program-specific information may vary.
#1 Georgia Nursing Schools and Programs of 2023
Emory University
Atlanta, GA
4 years
Campus
With a 100-year history of educating nurses, Emory University offers accelerated BSN and MSN programs that take 12-15 months to complete. Emory also features dual degrees and MSN flex programs, which you can finish in 2-3 years.
You can earn an MSN degree with an APRN specialty in adult gerontology acute care, adult gerontology primary care, family nursing, neonatal nursing, nurse-midwifery, pediatric acute care, women's health and gender-related nursing, or psychiatric mental health. Emory offers clinical training in Atlanta and at sites across the country.
Program: Bachelor of science in nursing, master's of science in nursing, doctorate in nursing practice
Campus: Atlanta, Georgia
Type: Private
Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs, Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education
Tuition:$2,022 per credit
Admission Requirements: Varies by program
Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 85.94% first-time pass rate
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $64,055 for bachelor's graduates and $64,055 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$53,070
Out-of-state
$53,070
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$43,800
Out-of-state
$43,800
Retention Rate
93%
Admission Rate
19%
Students Enrolled
13,997
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
87%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Georgia Nursing Schools and Programs of 2023
Berry College
Mount Berry, GA
4 years
Campus
You can earn a BSN in 3.5 years at Berry College, which offers four degree pathways. You'll complete clinical placements with the option of working at Berry's two hospital partnerships or one of Georgia's biggest medical clinics.
Berry offers a transfer track, a traditional program for sophomore students, and a direct admission pathway for high-achieving high school students. Also, you can graduate in fewer than four years through the fast track pathway if you complete AP and dual enrollment courses.
Program: BSN
Campus: Mount Berry, Georgia
Type: Private
Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Tuition: $2175-$3263 per credit for 12-18 credits. Students who take fewer or more credits will be charged 1,305 per credit.
Admission Requirements: BSN applicants need a minimum 3.0 GPA; Students need at least 41 credits, including prerequisites, with a minimum C grade; CPR certification; background check and drug screening; Transfer students must complete at least 12 credits at Berry.
Minimum Time Commitment: 42 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 78.13% first-time pass rate
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $51,482 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$37,720
Out-of-state
$37,720
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$12,240
Out-of-state
$12,240
Retention Rate
84%
Admission Rate
77%
Students Enrolled
2,125
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
40%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Georgia Nursing Schools and Programs of 2023
Georgia Northwestern Technical College
Rome, GA
2 years
Online + Campus
Georgia Northwestern Technical College features an associate in nursing degree (ADN) that prepares you for an entry-level career as a registered nurse. You can also choose from a practical nursing diploma.
After you are admitted, it will take four semesters to complete the nursing coursework. GNTC's ADN program requires 72 credits. You'll complete 30 credits of pre-occupational courses and 42 credits of nursing curriculum. The courses cover nursing basics, lifespan nursing care, and nursing care to promote mental health.
Program: Bachelor of science in nursing, associate degree in nursing, practical nursing diploma
Campus: Rome, Georgia
Type: Public
Accreditations: Accrediting Commission for Education in Nursing
Tuition: $100 per credit (in state); $200 per credit (out-of-state)
Admission Requirements: High school diploma or GED certificate; minimum 17 years old; minimum 75% score on the admission assessment exam; completion of Learning Support courses; completion biology and algebra courses; minimum 3.0 GPA
Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021/2022): 86.36% first-time pass rate
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $49,787 for associate degree graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$2,400
Out-of-state
$4,800
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
65%
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
6,608
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
71%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
The associate degree provides a direct pathway for paramedics and licensed practical nurses to become registered nurses in one year. The traditional ADN takes seven semesters. You can also complete the 60-credit practical nursing program in five semesters in preparation for the NCLEX-PN exam.
The nursing programs offer spring and fall start dates. You can take online synchronous
or live courses. There's also an option to take on-campus and hybrid courses.
Program: Associate in nursing degree, practical nursing diploma
Campus: Sandersville, Georgia
Type: Public
Accreditations: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
Tuition: $100 per credit
Admission Requirements: High school diploma, GED certificate, or college transcripts; Test of Essential Academic Skills exam score; at least 18 years old; minimum 2.6 GPA for high school students and 2.0 GPA for workforce entry level programs
Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 87.23% first-time pass rate
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$2,400
Out-of-state
$4,800
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
74%
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
1,835
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
68%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#5 Georgia Nursing Schools and Programs of 2023
Mercer University
Macon, GA
4 years
Online + Campus
Mercer University's College of Nursing offers three BSN tracks. You can choose from a traditional BSN degree, second degree, or an RN-to-BSN program. The curriculum prepares you to enter Mercer's MSN program or launch your nursing career.
You'll complete 60 nursing major credits, 40 general education credits, and 20 nursing core credits in the traditional BSN degree. The accelerated BSN program requires 56 credits and the RN-to-BSN degree requires 32 credits. The courses incorporate nursing research, health assessments, leadership and role practicum, and population health nursing.
Program: Bachelor of science in nursing, master of science in nursing, doctor of Nursing Practice, Ph.D. in nursing, post-master's certificates
Campus: Macon, Georgia
Type: Private
Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Tuition: $12,785 per semester for traditional pre-licensure students; $361 per credit for RN-to-BSN students; $59,685 for second degree accelerated BSN students
Admission Requirements: Varies by program; minimum 3.0 GPA; resume; official transcripts; official TEAS exam score; admissions essay; completed prerequisites; admissions interview, if needed.
Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 81.31% first-time pass rate
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $62,299 for bachelor's graduates and $62,299 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$28,695
Out-of-state
$28,695
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$14,964
Out-of-state
$14,964
Retention Rate
87%
Admission Rate
78%
Students Enrolled
9,006
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
48%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Best Georgia Nurse Practitioner Programs
These rankings include
NurseJournal.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
from our partners. We use publicly available provisional datasets from Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) to inform the data for these schools. All data is current as of the date this article was published. Program-specific information may vary.
#1 Georgia Nursing Schools and Programs of 2023
Emory University
Atlanta, GA
4 years
Campus
Emory University offers some of the best Georgia nurse practitioner programs, including adult-gerontology acute and primary care, family, neonatal, pediatric acute and primary care, women's health/gender-related, and psychiatric mental health. Most programs require approximately 700 clinical hours. Emory arranges for clinical placement at more than 500 locations across the country. The programs emphasize global thinking and service learning. Format, on-campus and online requirements, and program length vary by track.
Program(s): Master of science in nursing (MSN) - adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner; MSN - adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner; MSN - women's health/gender related nurse practitioner; MSN - psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner; doctor of nursing practice; post-graduate certificate
Campus: Atlanta, GA
Type: Private
Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Tuition: $1,963 per credit hour
Admission Requirements: Bachelor of science in nursing; current and unencumbered Georgia or multistate RN license; one year of RN experience; two references
Minimum Time Commitment: 16 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 96.3%
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $100,571 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$53,070
Out-of-state
$53,070
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$43,800
Out-of-state
$43,800
Retention Rate
93%
Admission Rate
19%
Students Enrolled
13,997
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
87%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Georgia Nursing Schools and Programs of 2023
Mercer University
Macon, GA
4 years
Online + Campus
Mercer University is part of the Georgia Baptist College of Nursing. Mercer's master of science in nursing - adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner program's 2017-2019 first-attempt board pass rate was 98%. The program requires 47 credits and 600 clinical hours for completion. Each of the first three terms comprise 13-14 credit hours, and the final term is seven credit hours. The curriculum emphasizes integrating the liberal arts and Christian values.
Program(s): Master of science in nursing - adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner
Campus: Macon, GA
Type: Private
Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Tuition: $10,126 per 9-14 semester hours
Admission Requirements: Bachelor of science in nursing with a 3.0 GPA; current and unencumbered Georgia RN license; one year of RN experience; three references
Minimum Time Commitment: 16 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 89.2%
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $90,856 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$28,695
Out-of-state
$28,695
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$14,964
Out-of-state
$14,964
Retention Rate
87%
Admission Rate
78%
Students Enrolled
9,006
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
48%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
adult-gerontology primary care, family, and psychiatric mental health programs are all available as certificate, master of science in nursing (MSN), or doctor of nursing practice (DNP) programs. Students who graduate with an MSN can return for the DNP program within four years. The MSN option requires 43 credits and 720 clinical hours for completion. Programs are primarily offered online but require short (2-3-day) on campus sessions each semester.
Program(s): MSN; DNP; post-graduate certificate (adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner, family nurse practitioner, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner
Campus: Statesboro, GA
Type: Public
Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Tuition: $277 per credit hour for MSN students; $389 for DNP students
Admission Requirements: BSN with 3.0 GPA; "C" grade in undergraduate statistics and in assessment; current and unencumbered Georgia RN license; Level C (two person-BLS) CPR certification
Minimum Time Commitment: 18 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,371
Out-of-state
$15,425
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$4,986
Out-of-state
$19,890
Retention Rate
79%
Admission Rate
91%
Students Enrolled
26,949
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
78%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Georgia Nursing Schools and Programs of 2023
University of North Georgia
Dahlonega, GA
4 years
Online + Campus
The University of North Georgia's family nurse practitioner program is available as both a master of science in nursing and a post-graduate certificate. Students can choose from a two- or three-year option. Classes meet just one day per week on either Tuesday or Thursday. The program ends with a research project in evidence-based care. The 2020 board examination pass rate was 100%, with a 92% first-time pass rate.
Program(s): Master of science in nursing - family nurse practitioner; post-graduate family nurse practitioner
Campus: Dahlonega, GA
Type: Public
Accreditation(s): Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
Tuition: $286 per credit for Georgia residents; $1060 per credit for out-of-state students
Admission Requirements: Bachelor of science in nursing with 3.0 GPA; current and unencumbered Georgia RN license; CPR certification; one year work experience as an RN (recommended)
Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 98.7%
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $93,923 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$3,969
Out-of-state
$14,123
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$4,140
Out-of-state
$16,488
Retention Rate
78%
Admission Rate
81%
Students Enrolled
19,793
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
71%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#5 Georgia Nursing Schools and Programs of 2023
Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw, GA
4 years
Online + Campus
Kennesaw State University's family nurse practitioner program offers all classes on alternate weekends, accommodating working students. The program includes 40 credit hours and 630 clinical hours. Students must earn at least a "B" in each class and may repeat a class only once. This is the shortest family nurse practitioner program in Georgia. The most recent reported board pass rate is 98%.
Program(s): Master of science in nursing - family nurse practitioner
Campus: Kennesaw, GA
Type: Public
Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Tuition: $296 per credit for Georgia residents; $1,066 per credit for out-of-state students
Admission Requirements: BSN with 3.0 GPA; one year of nursing experience (direct patient care within the last five years); current and unencumbered Georgia nursing license; two references
Minimum Time Commitment: 15 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 98.5%
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $93,224 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,450
Out-of-state
$15,704
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$5,328
Out-of-state
$19,188
Retention Rate
80%
Admission Rate
83%
Students Enrolled
41,181
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
94%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#6 Georgia Nursing Schools and Programs of 2023
Brenau University
Gainesville, GA
4 years
Online + Campus
Brenau University's master of science in nursing program is available on either a 20-month or 36-month track. Students complete 50 credit hours and take two courses each semester. Learners can choose a hybrid or an online-only coursework option. The program encourages a global and environmentally sustainable perspective on nursing. The nursing school is in the initial accreditation process for its doctor of nursing practice program.
Program(s): Master of science in nursing - family nurse practitioner
Campus: Gainesville, GA
Type: Private
Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Tuition: $785 per credit hour
Admission Requirements: Bachelor of science in nursing with 3.0 GPA; current and unencumbered Georgia RN license; one year of experience as an RN; undergraduate assessment and statistics classes; three references; GRE scores
Minimum Time Commitment: 20 months
On-Campus Requirements: No
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 93.2%
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$30,000
Out-of-state
$30,000
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$13,356
Out-of-state
$13,356
Retention Rate
53%
Admission Rate
92%
Students Enrolled
2,813
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
70%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Popular MSN Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
How to Choose a Nursing Program in Georgia
There are dozens of nursing schools in Georgia, including some of the top-ranked programs in the country. However, you should consider several factors when choosing where to apply.
Look at program curriculum and length, the availability of both in-person and online nursing school requirements, and clinical details, such as available clinical placement assistance. Tuition and financial aid options are also important considerations.
Nursing students may qualify for federal student aid. Georgia's HOPE Programs offer scholarship and grant assistance to qualified students, but learners should look at nursing financial aid options specific to the program as well.
To become a licensed nurse in Georgia, you must complete a program approved by the Georgia Board of Nursing. Accreditation for nursing programs is important because it ensures that all nurses in the state have been trained to the same standards and that nursing programs adequately prepare graduates for safe, effective practice.
If you choose a program not board approved, you will not qualify for a nursing license in Georgia.
Why Become a Nurse in Georgia
Becoming a nurse in Georgia offers many advantages. In addition to plenty of job opportunities and competitive salaries, Georgia has some policies that might make it attractive to nurses.
For example, nurses do not have to join a nurses' union to gain employment, as Georgia is a right-to-work state. Georgia also upholds the Family Care Act, also known as the Kin Care Law. This allows employees to use paid sick leave to care for immediate family members, not just themselves.
Georgia is a Nurse Licensure Compact state, meaning licensed nurses here are authorized to work in 30 other compact states. Nurses who wish to work in Georgia, but have licenses from noncompact states, can get a Georgia license by endorsement.
Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Georgia
Nurses in Georgia earn an average salary of $71,510, slightly less than the national median earnings of $75,330, according to the BLS. Nurse practitioners also earn less than the national average in the Peach State, with an average salary of $106,620, compared to the national median of $111,670.
Although RN pay ranks 29th in the nation, and NP pay comes in 40th, the cost of living here is also one of the lowest in the United States. Georgia ranks 48th on the cost-of-living index, and housing is among the most affordable in the nation.
Demand for RNs between 2018 and 2028 is projected to increase by 22.5%, much higher than the national average of 9%. Demand for nurse practitioners should increase slower than the national average. However, at 41.4% projected growth, demand for NPs is still very high. The BLS projects a continued nursing shortage through 2030.
It's no surprise that Georgia's largest metropolitan area, Atlanta, is also its highest-paying city. Atlanta is home to five of the state's highest-ranked hospitals, including two Magnet hospitals. However, Georgia nurses can also earn competitive salaries in smaller cities and rural regions.
The table below details the top five highest-paying metro areas.
The Georgia Board of Nursing oversees all nurse credentialing. The board also sets nursing regulations and education requirements. The following is an overview of the general processes for licensure as an RN or advanced practice registered nurse (APRN).
Georgia allows nurses to apply for licensure online or by paper application. If you earn your degree from an out-of-state nursing school, you must submit a paper application. Graduates of in-state nursing programs can apply online without submitting transcripts, as those are automatically sent to the Georgia Board of Nursing by the school.
Before submitting your application, register for the NCLEX exam with Pearson Vue and COGENT (the state background check service). The application fee is $40. Most applications are processed in 15 days, but there may be a delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
If you've never been licensed as an APRN in any state, you'll also need to submit transcripts showing a completed graduate program.
If you're licensed in another state and seeking your first Georgia APRN license, you have the option to submit documentation of 500 hours of practice if you completed your graduate program more than four years ago.
To apply for an APRN license, submit a paper application; there is no online option. The fee is $75.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in Georgia
How long does it take to become a nurse in Georgia?
Depending on the degree type (ADN or BSN), it takes 2-4 years to become a nurse in Georgia. Both degrees qualify you to take the NCLEX. However, some employers, including Magnet hospitals, require RNs to hold a BSN.
Is Georgia state good for nursing?
Overall, Georgia consistently ranks among the top states for nurses. The Department of Health and Human Services identifies Georgia as a state that will have a significant nursing shortage by 2030, so nurses can find many job options.
Although salaries are moderate compared to other states, they are offset by the low cost of living. The pleasant climate, safe neighborhoods, and overall quality of life also make this an attractive place to live.
How do I become a nurse in Georgia?
To become a nurse in Georgia, earn an ADN or a BSN degree and pass the NCLEX to qualify for a license issued by the Georgia Board of Nursing. If you already hold a license from a Nursing Compact state, you can apply for a license by endorsement.
How often do you need to renew your nursing license in Georgia?
Georgia requires nurses to renew their licenses every two years. All licenses expire on January 31. For example, a license issued or renewed in 2021 will expire on January 31, 2023. Nurses must complete one of five continuing education/competency options for nurses to qualify for renewal.
Related Resources
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